Magic 117, Warriors 109: Mark Jackson decided the best strategy was hack-a-Howard, which sent Dwight Howard to the free throw line an NBA record 39 times. Jackson also tried to cover Howard one-on-one so his other defenders could stay home on the Magic shooters — which is a great strategy if you have a guy who can actually slow Howard. Oklahoma City did this well, but they have Kendrick Perkins. David Lee is not that guy. The result was Howard had 45 points and 23 rebounds and got a lot of key buckets late.

At the end of the day, the problem here is less Jackson’s strategy and more that the Magic are a more talented team and had the best player on the floor. That wins way more games than strategy.

Grizzlies 94, Knicks 83:Carmelo Anthony left the game with a sprained ankle early in the third quarter not to return (he is now day-to-day), but that is not why the Knicks lost. They were just flat on the second night of a back-to-back, the offense was stagnant and the Knicks were behind from the middle of the first quarter on. Rudy Gay took advantage of ‘Melo’s defense and attacked the rim, shooting 8-of-9 from the field to start the game Gay went on to finish with 26 points.

The Knicks still are trying to find their identity and get used to new teammates. That will mean a few tough nights like this one. O.J. Mayo added 18 for the Grizzlies.

Hawks 111, Bobcats 81: Atlanta is going to miss Al Horford… but not against the Bobcats. Zaza Pachulia got the start in Horford’s place and played solidly, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Joe Johnson had little trouble getting open (Tyrus Thomas could not keep up with him running off screens) and Josh Smith’s jumper was falling. When that happens he is nearly impossible to guard. This got out of hand, and as this is the first game of a back-to-back-to-back for the Bobcats, coach Paul Silas pulled the starters in early to keep their legs fresh. Smart move.

Bucks 102, Pistons 83:Stephen Jackson had maybe his best game of the season — 25 points and six assists. He not only scored but kept the ball moving. Brandon Jennings had 27 points on 15 shots. Everything was clicking for the Bucks, who scored at a 114.6 points per 100 possessions pace (well above their 97.3 average for the season). That said the Pistons hung around in this one and made a push late behind Greg Monroe’s 12 fourth-quarter points. But this was the Bucks night.